The All Blacks are back! New Zealand score 14 tries to hammer Italy in World Cup rout
New Zealand 96-17 Italy: The All Blacks scored seven tries in each half to thrash Italy in Lyon
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.New Zealand made a huge statement of intent with a ruthless 96-17 thrashing of Italy in Pool A on Friday, running in 14 tries at OL stadium to take a big step towards the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.
Physical up front and clinical at every sniff of the try-line, the three-time champions made a mockery of the idea that a new-look Italy side might scupper their campaign with a first win in 16 meetings between the sides.
Scrumhalf Aaron Smith scored a hat-trick in the first half and number eight Ardie Savea was a tireless force with ball in hand, securing the bonus point with his first try in the 22nd minute and adding his team’s seventh before the break.
Largely absent was the ill-discipline that blighted their warm-up loss to South Africa and first two matches in France, the 27-13 defeat at the hands of the hosts in the tournament opener and an 11-try romp over Namibia.
New Zealand moved into second place in Pool A with 10 points, ahead of the Azzurri on points difference and three points behind group leaders France, who take on Italy next Friday, a day after the All Blacks face Uruguay.
Will Jordan opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a brilliant finish from Jordie Barrett’s pinpoint crosskick and his fellow winger Mark Talea also crossed in the first half after a scything break from Savea in midfield.
Despite being 49-3 down, Italy came out with renewed purpose in the second half and livewire winger Ange Capuozzo went over in the corner in the 48th minute for their first try against the All Blacks since 2016.
Sam Whitelock came on in the 50th minute to play his 149th test, surpassing Richie McCaw as the most-capped All Black of all time, and within seconds his longtime locking partner Brodie Retallick barrelled over the line for New Zealand’s eighth try.
Flanker Dalton Papali’i scored the ninth, replacement hooker Dane Coles crossed twice and Damian McKenzie came off the bench to make his presence felt by scoring a try and making a second for Jordan.
Replacement centre Anton Leinart-Brown scored the 14th try as New Zealand closed on the 101 points they scored against Italy at the 1999 World Cup.
McKenzie also took over kicking duties from Richie Mou’nga, who had converted nine of New Zealand’s first 10 tries, and slotted four conversions from four attempts.
Italy showed great pride in the closing seconds, running the ball from their own tryline to have the final word in the contest through a try from winger Monty Ioane.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments